Semi-structured interviews of leaders who have led through their menopause, extracting the experience on their roles and career trajectories.
| Lead institution | |
|---|---|
| Police region |
South East
|
| Collaboration and partnership |
This project is supported by the College of Policing Bursary scheme. |
| Level of research |
Masters
|
| Project start date |
|
| Date due for completion |
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Research context
This study is a critical evaluation into the impact of the menopause on leadership within the police service. The research considered three objectives:
- self-assessment of own menopause – evaluate specific details from individuals to understand how they comprehend, medically support and communicate their menopause in the workplace
- leadership performance – examine and review specific details from individuals who have lived experience of menopause, in order to better understand the subjective impact on their workplace performance alongside any mitigation strategies
- leadership trajectories – analyse the nuanced impact of menopause symptoms on roles, career aspirations and promotion processes within the specified demographic, elucidating factors that may influence future improvement
Research methodology
In order to conduct an exploratory study focused on this gap in knowledge, the research will be conducted in an interpretivist paradigm. Using an inductive approach, primary data will be collected in order to analyse the detail and provide subsequent findings.
This study will employ a qualitative methodology to elicit first-hand information directly from participants. Non-probability sampling in the form of volunteer (self-selection) sampling, will be employed to select participants.
A mono-method approach of in-person semi-structured interviews will be conducted, appropriate for studying a sensitive area in order to give the researcher opportunity to prepare the participant for any questions that may be sensitive.
Research participation
12 voluntary participants from Avon and Somerset.